RAILROADS of Jefferson County

This exhibit includes artifacts, photos and documents related to the multiple railroads once active and vital to Jefferson County. 

Special Features:
Historic Train Photos
View historic photos of trains in our county. 

Rail Riding Memories
Peruse reminiscences shared by longtime county residents, recounting their experiences riding the rails. Read about train crashes, train mail delivery, and the special visit of a U.S. President.

Elkhorn RR Water Tank
1n 1887-1888, the railroad laid tracks to Elkhorn and a water tank was erected to fill the train steam engines. This was necessary because the engines exhausted their steam during the long uphill climb to town. The tank was used until 1914, when the Northern Pacific RR closed the line down. The tank was later donated to the town for fire suppression purposes.

Over time, the water tank fell into major disrepair. A group of concerned citizens have been working to preserve this historic structure, for future generations to enjoy.

Stop by the museum to peruse information about this historic preservation project and the reconstruction process. 

1902 - Elkhorn Branch of the Northern Pacific Railroad near Elkhorn, MT. Photographer-Hiram H. Wilcox. donor unknown.

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1900 - Two trains between Boulder and Basin, MT. Photographer - Ronald V. Nixon. donor unknown.

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The museum exhibit includes a model of the Elkhorn water tank and related artifacts.
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​The model was built by Bruce Bell, museum director and restoration committee member. Thanks to Bruce for loaning it to the museum for this exhibit.

PHOTO CREDITS & INFO

Header Photo: (top)
RR Depot at Alhambra
(near Clancy)
​​circa 1900
Film Negative-Museum Files
​Donor Unknown*

*If you know who donated photo,
​please contact us.

​406-224-5106
​​5 North Main Street
Clancy, MT 59634

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